TL;DR
Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber is a captivating tale of love and sacrifice, where Evangeline Fox makes a dangerous deal with the enigmatic Prince of Hearts to stop her true love's wedding, leading her into a world of magic and peril.
What is Once Upon a Broken Heart about
Once Upon a Broken Heart centers around Evangeline Fox, a young woman disillusioned by love when she learns that her true love, Luc, is marrying her stepsister. In a desperate attempt to intervene, she strikes a deal with the charming but manipulative Prince of Hearts, Jacks. The agreement requires her to give him three kisses at his discretion, but Evangeline soon discovers that dealing with an immortal like Jacks comes with unforeseen consequences. The novel explores themes of love, fate, and the complexities of choice, as Evangeline navigates a world where happy endings are not guaranteed and the line between love and tragedy is perilously thin.
Once Upon a Broken Heart 6 Key Takeaways
Evangeline's heartbreak leads her to make a desperate deal.
Evangeline learns that Luc, her one true love, is set to marry her stepsister, igniting her desperation. In a bid to prevent the wedding, she makes a pact with Jacks, the Prince of Hearts, who promises to help her in exchange for three kisses.
The first kiss reveals the risks of her bargain.
Upon giving her first kiss to Jacks, Evangeline quickly realizes that he has ulterior motives that go beyond her initial understanding of their deal. The stakes rise as she becomes entangled in a web of magic and manipulation.
Jacks's true intentions unfold.
As the story progresses, Jacks reveals his complex desires and the depth of his character, challenging Evangeline's perceptions of love and loyalty. Their relationship grows, intertwining danger and attraction.
Evangeline's journey of self-discovery.
Throughout the narrative, Evangeline embarks on a path of self-discovery, learning about her own strength and the true nature of love, culminating in choices that could lead to either her greatest happiness or profound sorrow.
The climax tests Evangeline's resolve and desires.
As tensions rise, Evangeline faces pivotal moments where she must choose between her heart's desires and her instincts for self-preservation, culminating in a dramatic confrontation that tests her character.
The resolution leaves readers questioning fate.
The conclusion of the story unfolds with unexpected twists, leaving Evangeline and readers alike pondering the true nature of fate, love, and the price of happiness.
Top Once Upon a Broken Heart Quotes
- "Sometimes, love is like a thorny rose, beautiful but dangerous."
- "To seek a happy ending, one must be willing to embrace the chaos of the journey."
Who should read Once Upon a Broken Heart?
Fans of fantasy and young adult fiction will be enchanted by Once Upon a Broken Heart. Readers who enjoy stories rich with romance, magic, and moral dilemmas will find Evangeline's journey both relatable and compelling, offering inspiration on the complexities of love and choice.
Once Upon a Broken Heart Best Reviews
- "Garber weaves a stunning narrative filled with magic and intrigue, creating a spellbinding world that readers won't want to leave." - Book Riot
- "Once Upon a Broken Heart captures the essence of fairy-tale romance with a fresh twist, enthralling readers from start to finish." - Publishers Weekly
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Once Upon a Broken Heart FAQs
Is Once Upon a Broken Heart suitable for young readers?
The book contains elements of sexual innuendo and themes that may not be suitable for younger teens, so parental discretion is advised.
Do I need to read the Caraval trilogy before this book?
Once Upon a Broken Heart can be read as a standalone, but readers may find additional context and enjoyment by exploring the Caraval trilogy.